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Safe

08/01/1978 – The Kitchens – 00:01am

"You're late," he mutters.

"By one minute!" she cries.

"Still, being late to your own meeting isn't very proper of you - is it, Granger?" Regulus chuckled.

"Cocky bastard."

"What was that, darling?" he asks, voice dripping with - a mild - venom

Hermione rolls her eyes but grabs the books – many of which have loose sheets of paper tucked in at a random spot – out of her bag. He looks at her and she complies by pushing them over.

"Granger, where did you get these?"

She flushes red, a squeak escaping her.

"Granger…"

He's concerned. For you or for the school? Probably his reputation. God, please don't tell me off, please don't.

He's by her side in an instant, "Granger? You're hyperventilating."

Hermione doesn't reply, her mouth occupied my chewing the inside of her cheek. He sighs and hugs her – strange for a Slytherin she reached out to only a few days ago.

"Panic… Attack…" She chokes out.

He nods and rubs her back, "3 things you can see?"

"Um…" she mumbles, clawing at her chest. "You, me, the table?"

"2 things you can touch?"

"My skirt, your hair," she mutters, touching each of them.

"1 thing you can hear?"

"You?"

"Good girl, you did it. Feel any better?"

"A bit…"

He thinks for a moment, "Better than nothing – I'll take it."

She lets out a breath and starts her…presentation, if you will. She explains the plan to keep Hogwarts and its students safe. To keep everyone she knows and loves safe.

And as much as she hates to admit it, it's mainly to keep James safe.